From the Principal's Desk

Welcome back!

As I write, we are nearing the end of the second week of Term 2. As the two central terms of the year (Terms 2 and 3) progress, our students' ability to cope with greater depth and complexity in their chosen subjects increases markedly. This is because, having dealt with the introductory elements of each course, students now have an opportunity to grapple with more challenging material. 

It is in part for this reason that this year we held our Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences in the first week of term. As many parents will be aware, our reports are designed to prompt conversations between parents and students, teachers and students, and parents and teachers. By holding our conferences at the start of the year, we were this year able to link those conversations directly with the work the students were embarking on only days later, seizing an opportunity for goal setting and reflection immediately before our students resumed their formal learning activities.

The atmosphere during both sessions of this term's conferences was very positive, and I know that our teachers valued the opportunity to reflect with both students and parents on the previous term's progress and challenges. I would like to thank our families for their willing engagement in this process. It is a clear marker of the support which our students are receiving from home.

A sombre start

Before we were able to enjoy the lively interactions that took place during our Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences, we first took a moment to remember the sacrifices made by members of our armed forces in various conflicts and through other forms of duty. 

I was once again very proud of the way our students conducted themselves during our annual ANZAC Day Assembly, which was held on the first day of term. 

As usual, our student contributions in the form of readings and reflections were very moving, and the inclusion of a student reflection from the point of view of the Turkish soldiers at Gallipoli was an important element. 

This year our ceremonies were enhanced through the active involvement of those members of our student community who are also part of the Cadets program, and I would like to commend them for the discipline and commitment which they demonstrated. I would also like to thank retired Sgt Peter Beames, representing the Berwick branch of the RSL, and Flight Lieutenant Samantha O'Sullivan, Commanding Officer of 403 Squadron, for joining us on the day. 

House Spirit For The Win!

As we moved into Week Two, the school was once again enlivened by our annual House Athletics Festival. 

Under the able leadership of our Health & Physical Education Domain Leader, Mr Cameron Christiansen, the whole school came together to enjoy the sun and to celebrate both the skills of our athletes and the joyful buzz that comes from participating in our community. I would like to thank our HPE staff in particular for their hard work to make the day a success, and to acknowledge the fact that for this festival - as for all of our whole school events - it is the participation of all that makes the day work. 

Life: Not a Spectator Sport

As you will see in later pages of this newsletter, our students regularly make us proud through their willingness to move outside their comfort zones and get involved. Sometimes this is through their participation in community events, and at other times it is through their willingness to embrace the challenge of learning something new. Sometimes they put themselves forward to take part in formal extension programs, and sometimes they commit themselves to service in their local communities. Sometimes, they support the school by getting involved in one or more of the programs that run outside our classrooms, like the interschool sport program, acting as ambassadors for Nossal's values and capacity. Whichever way they choose to do it, we are always pleased to see our students taking up every opportunity to live a full and active life.

Important Information

Before I draw this entry to a close, I would like to alert you to some important information which you will find later in this bulletin. Follow these links to

• information about registering for the Dental Van, which will as usual visit Nossal later this year,
• important dates for the rest of this term and the year, so that you can plan ahead,
• other advice and news about ways we are working together to keep our students safe both on campus and during adventure excursions, and 
• updated information on some of the administrative information that you might need from day to day

A final thought to start the term

As I bring this entry to a close, I would like to quote from my end of Term 1 message to our students. Having reflected with them on the discoveries they may have made in the first 10 weeks of the year, and on the discomfort which that learning may have caused, I noted that 

I look forward to an equally fulfilling second term with you all, including a certain amount of time spent at the uncomfortable bottom of the learning pit, and any number of triumphant moments climbing out of it and knowing that something new has been learned!

So far, the trajectory of this term has done nothing but confirm my expectation that Term 2 will be a time of growth, and that this growth will continue to be supported by our students' care for each other, and their commitment to

keeping our school a vibrant, respectful and inclusive learning environment.

Already this term I have found many reasons to be proud of our students. A large group of our Year 9 & 10 students, under the leadership of Mr Rian LaBrooy, exemplified this through their participation in our recent Prospective Parents Information Night. On a very rainy night they gifted the school with their time and talents, making the bulk of the formal presentations, providing musical performances, and acting as willing hosts and tour guides. They were excellent ambassadors for our community, and contributed to my very active gratitude that I am able to work in such an impressive and unified environment.

Tracey Mackin

Principal